Southwest Elsewhere
an excerpt

The gnome placed his pan in the oven at precisely the moment that Amalia Jean decided she couldn't possibly eat another bite of pizza. He waited until she put the rest in the refrigerator and then said, “Shall I continue?”
“Can I stop you?”
“You could, however that would have potentially disastrous consequences for both our worlds.”
“Why me?”
“Want the real reason?”
“What would you tell me if I said ‘no’?”
“I would flatter you. I would tell you how out of all the people in this world, you alone have the power to save both universes. That you were not only born to greatness, but when you saved the universes, which I know you will be able to do, because that is your destiny, you would then rule both and be beloved by all the inhabitants of both universes.”
“That’s pretty good,” said Amalia Jean. “Now what’s the truth?”
“You just happened to be in the right place at the right time and you do possess certain necessary skills.”
“But I won’t get to rule the universes?”
“No… with any luck, you’ll save everything in time to return home and go back to school in September.”
“No reward of any kind?”
“You can keep the rock.”
Amalia Jean made a face.